By Lyonel Doherty
Gracie Stagg and Charlize Ruck show off their business products for sale. (Photo by Lyonel Doherty)
From bath balms to bee houses, business was booming at Oliver Elementary School last week.
The first ever entrepreneur show saw 85 students in Grade 6-7 selling their wares as part of a project teaching students the value of money and how to create a business.
“It focuses a lot on stepping out of their comfort zone and taking risks, being innovative, being creative and being a critical thinker,” said Grade 6 teacher Rosie Aujla.
Grade 7 teacher Dean Rowland agreed, saying the project teaches the kids about budgeting and startup costs, and how to create a business plan, which includes everything from advertising to taking business orders.
And you never know, it could create a few entrepreneurs in the future, he pointed out.
Aujla said the one-day show made the students feel really proud and gave them a huge sense of accomplishment.
“I think it opens doors for them to understand what it takes to have a business and what they’re capable of doing.”
Well, student Kismet Dhaliwal definitely learned what she is capable of by making bath balms from scratch from a recipe she found.
“I wanted to make something unique that no one else would have,” she said.
Kismet said she learned some important lessons, such as a strong work ethic and how to price your products to sell (making sure they are not too cheap or too expensive).
The Grade 6 student would like to start her own business in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology.
“I’d like to have my own, like, doctor place with patients.”
Brothers Hugo and Zephyr Pickell, 11 and 13, respectively, were really excited to take part in the show. (Hugo made drink coasters and Zephyr made pet rocks.)
“I learned time management,” Hugo said. “If you held off until the last day (to make your product) you wouldn’t finish in time.”
He said it’s important to consider not spending too much money because he still has to pay off his $18 loan to his parents.
Hugo has decided to give all of his profit to charity, either to Australian wildfire relief or to BC Children’s Hospital.
Zephyr chose pet rocks because they are really fun to make and they appeal to both children and adults.
“I learned about the break-even point; how much product you have to sell in order to pay back your costs and materials.”
When asked what he wants to do in life, Zephyr paused for a moment and said, “My biggest dream is be a film director. His back-up plan is to work for NASA or the restuarant business.
Meera Nelson, 12, made 18 candle holders from pieces of birch tree. Her dad helped her drill the holes for the candles.
She also wrote little messages on the wood to make people feel better.
“A lot of people don’t like the way they are, so the messages remind them that they’re perfect no matter what they look like.”
Meera said it’s exciting to start your own business, and it’s heartwarming to donate 10 per cent or more to charity. Her charity of choice is Paws and Claws in Oliver.
Speaking of animals, she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.
Grade 6 student Emma Cottam made a cookbook with 22 recipes in it, including a batch of easy chocolate chip cookies. She noted her mom collects cookbooks and has more than 300 of them.
Emma said the hardest part of her business was spending several hours typing out every recipe.
“It takes more time than I thought to create a business. I thought it was just make the product and sell it.”
She stated that her future may involve having a family business like a restaurant. She also wants a husband and kids.
Fellow student Emily McCollum proudly stood behind several solitary bee houses that she made with her dad. She explained that the bees burrow in them and do their “bee business” in there.
She noted the houses are made from recycled wood. “I just thought it would be better for the environment. It makes me feel good about myself; I know I’m doing something for the environment and for the animals to survive.”
Photo by Lyonel Doherty
